EP 444 | Why Interior Designers Should Add Landscape Design to Their Scope with Steve Griggs

September 2, 2025

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Outdoor spaces aren’t separate from interior design—they’re a powerful extension of it. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with landscape architect Steve Griggs, who has spent more than 40 years transforming backyards into beautiful, functional sanctuaries. Steve makes a compelling case for why interior designers should integrate landscape design into their scope of work (SOW) and partner with landscape professionals from the very beginning of a project.

By collaborating early with builders and landscape architects, designers can ensure cohesive, elevated results that clients are willing—and eager—to invest in. Steve shares practical insights on budgeting, hardscape planning, and how outdoor spaces can become a profitable addition to your services. If you’ve ever wondered how to expand your offerings or increase project value, this conversation will show you exactly why landscape belongs in the conversation.

In this episode you will learn:

  • Why early collaboration between designers, builders, and landscape architects leads to stronger results
  • How outdoor spaces function as a natural extension of interior design
  • Why you should charge confidently for your expertise—clients will pay for value
  • How to approach a blank outdoor canvas starting with hardscape
  • When it’s better to delay a project than move forward with an insufficient budget

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Charge for your clarity — not just your creativity. The more confident you are in guiding clients, the more valuable your work becomes.

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

About Steve Griggs

Steve helps high-powered families turn their backyards into sanctuaries—without the headaches. He’s not your average landscape designer. For over 40 years, he’s led luxury outdoor transformations for celebrities, hedge fund execs, and elite homeowners across New York and the Northeast. Steve brings bold vision, white-glove precision, and a no-fluff New Yorker’s edge to every build.

From mountaintop pools to rooftop gardens, he helps clients uncover what they really want—before they can describe it.

www.stevegriggsdesign.com

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Aquavato!

Aquavato is a trade-focused plumbing showroom in Toronto designed to support interior designers with expert product guidance, educational support, and concierge level service. Inside, the House of Rohl Studio has curated selections of Perrin & Rowe, Rohl, Shaws, Victoria + Albert, Emtek & Schaub.

Learn more about the Aquavato Trade Program at aquavato.com.

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used for any legal decisions. Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc., Kimberley Seldon Design and Media, Inc., Business of Design™, or any of its affiliated companies or staff is not responsible for any errors or omissions effecting accuracy in any content, and they will not be held liable for the use or misuse of information, facts, details or any other aspects should there arise any defects, errors, omissions or perhaps inaccuracies. Extensive research has been conducted to put this podcast together for the purpose of educating our industry in order to better serve the public. Care has been taken to acknowledge ownership of copyrighted material. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is offered with the understanding that we do not render any legal, accounting or other professional advice. Seek the advice of a lawyer and/or other competent professional person in all matters of law. Further, listeners should be aware that internet websites mentioned may change or disappear between when this was recorded and when it was listened to.

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